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Discover what causes Oregon’s dramatic winter King Tides, how they shape our coastline, and how to view them safely. Photo: C.L. Downing, Rockaway Beach By Rhiannon Bezore, Coastal Shores Specialist, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development Published: December 2025 What Are King Tides? Each winter, the moon, sun, and earth are in alignment, the earth’s orbit is closest to the sun, and the moon is closest to the earth, creating an extra strong gravitational pull on our oceans, making the highest and lowest tides of the year. These extreme tides are known scientifically as Perigean Spring Tides, but they are more commonly referred to as King Tides. This season (2025 to 2026), we have three King Tide events. The first took place November 5 to 7, the second December 4 to 6, and the final event will occur January 1 to 4. Where the Term “King Tides”Comes From The term “King Tides” was coined in Australia nearly 20 years ago to describe the highest tides they observed each year, and the King Tides Project began to document how the tides were impacting coastal communities. From there, the project spread across the world. Photo: Pelirrojo Productions, Depoe Bay The Oregon King Tides Project The Oregon King Tides Project began 15 years ago as a partnership between the Oregon Coastal Management Program (housed within the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development) and Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, along with partners from Oregon Coastal Visitors Association, Oregon Sea Grant, and Oregon Surfrider. The Oregon King Tides Project is a community science initiative that asks the public to submit their photos of the King Tides online to www.oregonkingtides.net . The project hosts a photo contest each year and shares all photos submitted to a public Flickr account ( Oregon King Tides’s albums | Flickr ) as well as with coastal planning departments, federal and state agencies, and researchers. The project is focused on documenting howKing Tides impact our coastal communities, be it flooding, erosion, or other compounding impacts from storms that add to the effects of the high tides. Seeing areas that are already being impacted by these high tide events gives us a glimpse into what future sea level rise may look like in our communities. What King Tides Tell Us About the Future Essentially, the water levels that we see during king tides now may be the normal high tide line in the future with sea level rise, with King Tides then raising water levels that much more each winter. Since King Tides occur during winter months, they often coincide with storm events too. This can lead to large waves and stormy conditions during peak high tide hours, increasing hazards like flooding, erosion, and sneaker waves along the coast. Staying Safe While Viewing King Tides It is very important that anyone visiting the coast be very careful when viewing King Tides. The ocean is incredibly powerful, sneaker waves can happen at any time, and King Tides often coincide with storms, producing large waves during already high water levels. People taking photos and videos should be a safe distance from the water and never turn their back on the water. Remember to stay off of logs and rocks, away from cliff edges, and on dry sand. There are plenty of safe places to view the King Tides without putting yourself in harm’s way. Contact Information For more information about the project, please contact: Rhiannon Bezore, Coastal Shores Specialist with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, (971) 375-7336, rhiannon.bezore@dlcd.oregon.gov Sam Derrenbacher, Community Science & Engagement Manager with Oregon Shores, (603) 340-4648, sam@oregonshores.org

A Beloved Fixture on the Central Oregon Coast By Steve Card Before most of Newport has finished its first cup of coffee, Amber Morris is already on the docks. The early morning air along the Bayfront smells of salt, diesel, and fresh catch as fishing boats ease into their slips. Deckhands unload totes heavy with rockfish, lingcod, and salmon, while gulls circle overhead and the harbor slowly wakes to another working day. Moving easily among the fishermen, Amber studies the catch with a practiced eye — lifting a fish here, checking the sheen of the skin there, already knowing which ones will make the best fillets by the time they reach the table. For more than four decades on the Central Oregon Coast, she has done this work with a quiet authority that fishermen respect and customers trust. Around Newport, many people know her simply as the Fish Goddess — a nickname that reflects both her deep knowledge of seafood and her tireless devotion to the fishing community. As the longtime fishmonger at Local Ocean Seafoods , located at 213 SE Bay Blvd on Newport’s historic Bayfront, Amber has become an essential link between the boats that land their catch each morning and the restaurants, markets, and households that depend on the ocean’s bounty. A fishmonger is a specialist in seafood — a professional who selects, prepares (like filleting), and sells fish, often working directly with fishermen to bring the freshest possible product to customers. Amber embodies every part of that traditional craft, rooted in a trade whose very name dates back to Old English, where “monger” meant a dealer or trader. Local Ocean captures her presence perfectly on its website, describing her as a “resident Fish Goddess” who spends her days answering questions, scouring the docks for the freshest catch, and filleting with precision behind the fish case. The affectionate nickname originated with past Local Ocean chef Charlie Branford and quickly became a community-wide title that has stuck ever since.   Building a Life in Seafood Amber’s career began more than four decades ago.“I started working at Depoe Bay Fish Company,” she recalled — a well known fish processing company owned by Jerry & Sheryl Bates. She began working in the crab room before quickly finding her way into the fillet room. When shrimp season opened, she worked side-by-side with experienced processors, learning rapidly. “Two weeks later, they put me in charge of the whole shrimp process, and I’d only been there three months,” she said. “Then they put me in the fish market, and I had every key in the place. I worked with Teresa Maynard, who taught me everything.” Amber stayed with that company for 17 years. But something bothered her: trucks would haul fresh fish from the Bayfront up to Portland to be processed, but it would be days before it made its way back to the coast and into the local restaurants or homes. “I thought, you know what, I’m going to go buy the fish when the boat comes in and bring it to the restaurants,” she said. And so she did. She acquired her wholesale license, began buying directly from local boats – primarily the F/V Helen B, a small dory captained by her son, Sterling Morris. She embarked on a one-woman mission to deliver seafood as fresh as physically possible. “I drove to every restaurant from Lincoln City to Florence. The fish spoke for itself,” she said. Midnight phone calls from a restaurant were not uncommon, and every day she dropped off fish that had been offloaded the night before. (She did this for about 8 years)   Joining Local Ocean Seafoods Amber first connected with Local Ocean because they needed someone to fillet fish. “I stopped by and helped for a few months,” she said. The company’s founder, Laura Anderson, hoped Amber would join them full-time. “She really wanted me to work here, but I was busy with what I was doing,” said Amber. Eventually though, in 2008, Amber began working there full-time. Laura Anderson said it was a perfect match.“It’s like it’s just her whole purpose in life to support the fishermen. She just lives and breathes it… When we started the fish market, all of the fishermen said, ‘You need Amber Morris.’” At first Amber balanced both her independent wholesale business and her role at Local Ocean, but over time she transitioned fully into the fish market. “I could just see how much she cared about the community, about the fishers,” Laura said. “It’s just pure love. She’s all heart.” Credit: Patty DiRienzo   A Passion for Fishermen and Fresh Seafood When asked what inspires her, Amber’s answer is simple:“The passion of taking care of the fishermen and providing fresh product to the people who want fish and to the restaurants.” That passion has ripple effects throughout the entire organization. According to company president and CEO Tony Bixler, Local Ocean purchases fish from between 35 and 70 vessels each year, and Amber manages all of those relationships. Fish she procures is used in the restaurant, sold in the market, or included in Local Ocean’s signature DockBox meal kits .   The 100 Percent Fish Initiative Local Ocean is committed to reducing waste and using every part of every fish — an effort known as the 100 percent fish initiative. In commercial processing, only 35 to 65 percent of a fish typically becomes fillet. Local Ocean aims to use it all. To help lead that work, they brought on Darlene Khalafi as their 100 percent fish business innovation specialist.“I deal with what’s left after Amber procures and buys it, (and) our Local Ocean team fillets it,” Darlene explained. “We separate the rest of the fish into usable parts — for pet treats, bone broths, or products for farmers and ranchers like compost or soil amendments.” Of her working relationship with Amber, Darlene said, “She is one of the first people you just have to know when you learn anything about Local Ocean or Newport and fishing. She not only knows your fish order but your dog’s name and probably your Zodiac symbol.” For Amber, the zero-waste philosophy is second nature. “I’ve kind of always had that approach,” she said. “That’s how I feel.”   A Community Icon Amber’s community involvement extends far beyond the fish market counter. In addition to supporting local fishermen, businesses and community members, she is very supportive of groups like the Newport Fishermen’s Wives , a nonprofit supporting fishing families and industry education. Taunette Dixon of that organization said, “I grew up in Newport, so I’ve known Amber as long as I can remember. She’s always supported the fishermen… She’s a treasure for us.” Taunette described Amber as the welcoming face behind the counter, someone who can explain every piece of seafood and teach both locals and tourists how simple it can be to prepare. “Educating a lot of the tourists about our seafood is so important for our industry, and she does a great job.”   A Lifelong Calling After more than 40 years living and working on the Oregon Coast, Amber has no plans to slow down. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said with a smile. “It’s my passion. I’ll get a phone call at 5 in the morning and I’m right there. All of the fishermen have my number, and I always pick the phone up; always.” In Newport, they already know that. The Fish Goddess is part of the tide, part of the fleet, and part of the heart of this coastal community — connecting people to the ocean’s bounty one fillet at a time.

Ocean-view dining overlooking Agate Beach featuring locally sourced seafood, coastal cuisine, and seasonal ingredients. Open for breakfast and dinner.

Discover Newport on the Oregon Coast. Visitors and locals alike enjoy numerous year-round outdoor activities, entertaining attractions, restaurants and unique shopping opportunities. Whether you're on vacation, a local, or passing through, there are so many things to do in Newport! Home: Photo Gallery Find Yourself in Newport, Oregon! We’ve even created a few sample itineraries to help you experience Newport like a local. From the must-try seafood stops and hidden beach paths to the family-friendly favorites you’ll talk about long after you’re home. Download Itinerary – English Descargar itinerario – Español Seafood Like Nowhere Else You can’t come to Newport without tasting the coast. It’s in the air and on your plate. From dockside oyster shacks and casual fish-and-chips joints to elegant ocean-view restaurants, our Oregon coastal town is overflowing with flavor. Watch the boats come in, meet the people behind the catch, and taste the difference that fresh, local, and sustainable makes. Whether you’re a die-hard crab-leg lover interested in the Dungeness Crab Trail or just here for a steaming bowl of chowder by the water, Newport’s seafood scene is reason enough to plan a trip. Come Eat with Us Clearwater Restaurant See the Sea Spend a day exploring tidepools, stroll along windswept beaches, or dive into discovery at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where playful sea otters and graceful jellyfish remind us how alive the sea really is. Beaches Attractions Tides Events in Newport Each February, the Seafood & Wine Festival draws food lovers from across the Northwest, while summer brings concerts, outdoor celebrations, and theater at the Performing Arts Center. Even the holidays shine brighter here, with festive coastal events and cozy seasonal traditions. There’s always a reason to plan your next trip to Newport, Oregon. See Upcoming Events THE DISCOVER NEWPORT BLOG Read More on the Discover Newport Blog ABOUT NEWPORT OREGON Newport is located on Oregon’s central coast. Visitors and locals alike enjoy numerous year-round outdoor activities, entertaining attractions, restaurants, and unique shopping opportunities. READ MORE Experiences @NewportOregon Load More... SUBSCRIBE FOR NEWS AND UPDATES

Discover Newport on the Oregon Coast. Visitors and locals alike enjoy numerous year-round outdoor activities, entertaining attractions, restaurants and unique shopping opportunities. Events & Festivals in Newport Seafood isn’t just a meal in Newport, it’s part of daily life. Watch the fishing fleet pull in the day’s catch along the working waterfront. Every crab pot, every net, and every story shared on the docks connects you to the ocean that sustains our community. Annual Events & Festivals Seafood & Wine Festival A signature winter celebration of coastal cuisine, local wines, and unforgettable flavors. This happens every February and attracts thousands of people all over the world to experience a weekend full of seafood and wine at the Port of Newport. Newport Jazz Festival Smooth sounds and seaside vibes fill the city during this popular summer music event that begins in August and concludes with a weekend of Jazz in October at our Performing Arts Center. Performing Arts Center (PAC) Events Concerts, plays, and cultural performances light up Newport’s premier stage all year long. The PAC offers a vibrant mix of local talent and touring productions, creating opportunities to experience music, theater, dance, and art. Lighted Boat Parade A festive, family-friendly holiday event where decorated boats parade across the harbor, lighting up the evening and giving visitors a magical waterfront experience. This is part of multiple holiday events in Newport including the aquarium Sea of Lights. Quilt By the Sea A showcase of creativity and craftsmanship featuring stunning textile art from across the region that happens the first Friday and Saturday of August. Saturday Market Meet local makers and enjoy fresh produce, artisan goods, and coastal charm each week. It runs every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, typically from March through December. It’s one of Oregon’s older markets, with grassroots community involvement and strong local support. Newport Marathon Lace up for this community tradition that takes runners along scenic coastal routes. It is a USATF-certified course and known to be relatively flat with only gentle hills, making it a favorite for runners chasing personal bests or Boston-qualifying times. This is normally in early June. Surf Classic Watch talented local surfers and coming from near and afar take on the waves in this exciting coastal competition every August. Crab Krack A community feast hosted by the Lincoln County Historical Society, serving fresh Dungeness crab to support local heritage. Push Pin Show The Visual Arts Center’s most popular exhibition, where local artists of all levels share their work Submit an Event Upcoming Events Sat, Apr 04 Aerial & Dance Performance: Enchanted Garden / Newport Performing Arts Center RSVP Apr 04, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W Olive St, Newport, OR 97365, USA ArtFit Oregon presents: Enchanted Garden. Step into a world where nature dances and dreams take flight. The Enchanted Garden is an aerial and dance performance that tells a story of transformation, connection, and the magic found in every living thing. Share Sat, Apr 11 Marine Science Day / Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon St Learn more Apr 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon St, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA An annual science fair and open house features marine science programs and scientists based at Hatfield. Share Fri, Apr 17 Great Oregon Coast Garage Sale 2026 / Newport Learn more Apr 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – Apr 19, 2026, 4:00 PM Newport, Newport, OR, USA Whether you’re searching for the last piece of a collection or hunting for deals, the Great Oregon Coast Garage Sale is yours to explore! Share Wed, Apr 22 Earth Day at the Aquarium / Oregon Coast Aquarium RSVP Apr 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, USA Come join us at the Aquarium as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2026! Share Thu, Apr 23 Newport Paper & Book Arts Festival / Newport Performing Arts Center RSVP Apr 23, 2026, 9:00 AM – Apr 25, 2026, 4:30 PM Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W Olive St, Newport, OR 97365, USA NPBAF celebrates papermaking and manipulation, surface design, book arts, collage, nature printing, mixed media, and more. Our 2026 festival will take place in Newport, Oregon and the surrounding communities. Share Fri, May 01 Newport Loyalty Days & Sea Fair Festival / National Guard Armory Learn more May 01, 2026, 12:00 PM – May 02, 2026, 1:00 PM National Guard Armory, 541 SW Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97365, USA Newport’s 69th annual Loyalty Day and Sea Fair Festival will begin Friday May 1st and the Parade on Saturday May 2nd, start time at 12:00. Share Load More All Upcoming Events You could talk about visiting Newport someday. Or you could book your stay on Expedia now!

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